Rudder bearings

[Phoenix-UK]

Hi guys,

I am in the process of replacing the rudder bearings on our Hunter 30T because of wear. Having removed the rudder I was told by Hunter tech support that the bearings can be knocked out with a long bar - top bearing from below and vice versa. On examining the bearings I have found that the top bearing is trapped within the rudder tube by the deck? ie. The hole in the deck is the same size as the bore of the bearing, so I cannot tap the bearing up and out from below. (the bottom bearing is the trapped the same by the hull) I guess these are the original bearings (1990) so my question is; Do I enlarge the hole in the deck, to the bearings outside diameter, inorder to remove it? There doesn't seam any other way and looks like no forethought for easy removal was ever considered. Has anyone else come across this design in their boats? How did you resolve it?
Any help would be much appreciated. Shaun.

 

[Ed Schenck]

Can you take both bearings out the bottom if you cut the glass away? I don't think having the bottom hole the same size as the bearing OD would be a problem. Or does that keep the bearing from possibly sliding out? Then you would want to do both out the top. That is mainly a cosmetic issue, right?

 

[Phoenix-UK]

Hi Ed,

I could enlarge the holes (deck and bottom of hull) and remove the bearings and to be honest Its the only way as the rudder tube is stepped to create shoulders for the bearings so they cannot come out in the other direction. I was looking for confirmation that other owners had done the same as it seems such drastic action to replace something that will inevitably require replacement. When the rudder is back in then the bearings will be retained anyway although i might need slightly larger diameter thrust washers to compensate for the larger hole.

Picture shows the bottom arrangement.

 

[Ed Schenck]

If I am following your description then the bottom bearing can only come out the bottom. It cannot be pushed up through the rudder tube and out the top. And vice versa for the top bearing. But your bottom picture looks as if the bearing is ready to come out. Are we not seeing the edge of the bearing in your picture?